[U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Michelle Bekkering (center), U.S. Embassy ChargĂ© d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing (fourth from left), and U.S. Embassy Agricultural Counselor Michael Ward (third from left) join partner restaurant representatives at the American Restaurant Month launch on April 14 in Manila.]
As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic ties and the Freedom 250 commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of U.S. Independence, the United States is organized a series of Galing USA promotions in April and May to showcase the exceptional quality, versatility, and local application of U.S. food products, and expand market access for American agribusiness in the Philippines.
In partnership with the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ten of the Philippines’ finest restaurants celebrate American Restaurant Month by offering special dishes that demonstrate how America’s finest beef, poultry, and specialty ingredients inspire culinary excellence across cooking styles and traditions.
The restaurants include 25 Seeds, Bizu Patisserie and Café, Café Fleur, Cyma, Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, Farmer’s Table, Mamou,One World Deli, Souv, and The Split. These restaurants and their branches across 32 locations are offering special menu items ranging from USDA ribeye steaks and U.S. duck confit to selections of American cheeses until May 13.
Leading a U.S. Agribusiness Trade Mission to the Philippines, Deputy Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering said, “This initiative highlights the strong partnership between our nations and showcases the exceptional quality of U.S. products featured on these menus. U.S. products are celebrated for their unparalleled quality and standards, which is why so many exceptional restaurants choose to incorporate U.S. ingredients into their culinary creations.”
USDA also partnered with The Marketplace and Metro Supermarket to promote a wide range of American food and beverage products, including U.S. meat and poultry, cheese, and blueberries. Shoppers had a taste of “Authentic American Flavors” at The Marketplace Parqal Mall location in Parañaque City and experienced the “Great American Food Fest” at Metro Supermarket’s Market! Market! location in Taguig City.
On April 14, Bekkering led the awarding of Key Partners in U.S. Agricultural Excellence and Prosperity to eight Filipino organizations for their valuable contributions to strengthening bilateral trade and food security by making high-quality U.S. food and agricultural products available to Filipino consumers.
Century Pacific Food Inc., Dane International Commodities Inc., Jetti Petroleum Inc., Meat Importers and Traders Association, Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc., Philippine Association of Flour Millers Inc., Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc., and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., were among those recognized. “The awardees constitute nearly 200 years of combined U.S.-Philippines partnership,” Bekkering noted.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing added, “This recognition reflects the broader strength of the U.S.-Philippine trade relationship as partners in prosperity. It is an auspicious occasion to recognize this inaugural class of honorees as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic ties this year.”
The Philippines is the tenth largest market for U.S. agricultural and food products, averaging USD3.4 billion in annual exports over the past five years.
Galing USA is an initiative by USDA through the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Foreign Agricultural Service, aimed at promoting high-quality U.S. food and beverage products in the Philippine market.Â
